One-shots and one-offs

There seems to be more urgency in the talks surrounding the country’s hosting of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. But first, the big task ahead, placing a respectable third in the December SEA Games in Vietnam.

There are several curious, if not conflicting, sentiments regarding the two events. First, it seems that spors officials are convinced that we will do well in 2005 if we do well in 2003. This may not necessarily be true. The phrase, building momentum, usually applies to events that are a short term apart, not a biennial sports meet where so many factors, including time, intervene.

First of all, with eleven months on the calendar, how much improvement can we really squeeze out of our athletes? The common complaints persist: low allowances, poor housing facilities, problems in releasing funds, and other nagging circumstances that never seem to change. Too, there is the problem of inferior equipment and facilities. Consider that the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was built even before Manuel Quezon became president of the republic. On top of this, there is no security of tenure for Philippine Sports Commision officials, and thus, no continuity in government sports programs.

Realistically, can we place third in Vietnam? It is extremely hard to tell. Of course, it sounds both daring and safe to say we aim to be third in December, but does that take into account the development of our rival countries? Thailand , Malaysia and Indonesia will always be tough overall. But the host country will also take extra measures to stay among the leaders, as we did in 1991. Or don’t you remember?

So where would that place us?

Instead of making bold predictions and setting goals, it would be more constructive (and less deceptive) for the PSC to analyze how many Southeast Asian records are actually held by the Philippines, vis-a-vis those of other countries.

Those are the first goals we should have. You can’t get to point B if you don’t know where your point A is. There are many factors we are not in control of in Vietnam, playing conditions and scheduling being chief among them. The line-up of sports will also be significant to break down.

The old saw usually is that, when we don’t do well, we say we tried and promise we’ll do better next time. This smacks of treating these events as one-shot deals or one-offs. Where’s the continuity in that? Why the heck can’t we get things right the first time? Maybe it’s because our sports leaders often are first-timers.

Let’s not fool ourselves. If and when we do host the SEA Games, we will make sure that we win a truckload of gold. Isn’t that what everyone does, anyway? But first things first.

Do we have the facilities to host a SEAG? Where would we put up a new one? The clock is ticking.

Perhaps it would be worth it to look at what Peter Ueberroth did for the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Prior to his appointment, no Olympic Games ever made money. With a volunteer workforce of about 70,000, the first thing Ueberroth did was sign advertising contracts. The catch was that they would have to contribute to construction of venues, no mean feat considering the gargantuan amount of money thrown into television commercials. So Ueberroth got his venues for almost nothing.

Decisions have to be made, and they have to be made soonest. With only two years left, building stadia that will stand the test of time is a huge challenge. How will they hold up for the next twenty to thirty years? If we ever want to think about holding bigger sporting events, this must take precedence over everything else. And where will we get the money to build?

Much of what is needed to build sports facilities can be done under build-operate-transfer agreements, to begin with. The local government involved may eventually inherit everything. If the Rizal Memorial is any indication, these structures will be anything but white elephants. On the contrary, they will be here for a very long time.

Lastly, how soon will we start preparing for victory? At the top of the list of homework is research, into our opponents’ track records and training strategies. Is there actually anyone doing this? It has been painfully obvious that we do not want to look in the mirror and compare ourselves to our strongest rivals. No, we choose to go into battle under-equipped and ill-prepared, and shrug our shoulders and blame fate or luck. But when we do get that lucky knockout punch or answered prayer, we strut as if we actually built up to that moment. What a shame.

Hosting a SEA Games is not a one-shot deal. If the PSC is smart, it will start doing its homework on our rivals, now.

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Don’t miss this week’s episode of The Basketball Show at 4 p.m. over IBC-13. Get a first glimpse into the PBA’s first-ever rookie camp, find out what MBA MVPs Romel Adducul and John Ferriols feel in becoming rookies again, get to know San Sebastian’s Nico Uy, and meet the brothrs Alas. The Basketball Show is sponsored by Columbia Foods International, Adidas, Red Horse Extra Strong Beer, Umbro, and Accel Sports Gear.